Chapter 5 of 17 · 54 words · ~1 min read

V.

Not now he wields, for thy sweet sake, The sword in his accomplished hand; Nor grapples like a poisonous snake, The wrestler on the yellow sand: The old heroic harp his hand Consults not now; it can but kiss The amorous lute's dissolving strings. Which murmur forth a thousand things Of banishment from bliss.